CPD Parking Enforcement Bulletin
At the request of the Chicago Police Department’s (CPD) 12th District, we are sharing a Parking Enforcement Bulletin to remind residents, businesses, and visitors that, effective immediately, CPD and the Department of Revenue will begin ramping up local parking enforcement, issuing citations to any and all vehicles stationed illegally — especially any violation blocking emergency vehicle access.
To this effect, the West Loop Community Organization (WLCO) asks that businesses please corroborate loading zone permit details (business name, address, and contact information) against any other permits, including liquor, PPA, and valet. It is imperative that the exact registered business address and business name match across all operating information to ensure licensure compliance and prevent citations and tows.
The Department of Revenue and/or other parking enforcement officers have already begun ticketing vehicles in violation of parking ordinances. To pay, check the status of, or search for parking tickets, visit the Department of Revenue’s website. Below are some frequently asked questions about citations, with more available here. Anyone can also search commercial loading zone locations here and non-commercial loading zones here to ensure you’re parking appropriately.
I've seen ticket-issuers taking photos of violations. What's going on? Parking enforcement personnel may issue tickets using handheld computers that can also take supporting photos. Photos will serve as evidence to a violation. Motorists who receive a ticket that is supported by photographs may view them on this site.
Can I get a ticket, even if I was illegally parked for a minute? You may be ticketed for parking illegally for any amount of time. The actual duration one is parked illegally is not a defense.
Can I be ticketed even if there was time on the meter? How is that possible? If you are parked at a two-hour meter, for example, you are not allowed to feed the meter after the two hours are over. You must move your car so that other motorists may park. Even if you put more quarters in the meter, if you have parked there over the stated limit, you can get a ticket.
I received multiple tickets for the same meter violation, how is that possible? Motorists can get multiple parking tickets for sitting at the same expired meter, so if you are parked at an expired one-hour meter for more than two hours, you can get two tickets.
Why did I get a ticket for a Street Cleaning Violation? There were no signs posted when I parked. The City must provide reasonable notice of street cleaning or other temporary no-parking restrictions. A hearing officer can determine whether or not a violation is proper.
If you have any further questions regarding parking enforcement, please contact your local alderman’s office (search here), the Department of Revenue (312.7444.7275), or the 12th District (312.746.8396) directly, depending on the nature of your concern.